Kim Jon Un watches hypersonic missile test<\/p>\n
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un<\/a> oversaw test-flights of hypersonic missiles and called for a stronger nuclear war deterrent, state media said Monday, as Pyongyang ramps up weapons displays ahead of a major political conference.<\/p>\n North Korea\u2019s state-run Korean Central News Agency said Sunday\u2019s drill involving a hypersonic weapon system was designed to test combat readiness, sharpen missile troops\u2019 operational skills and assess the country\u2019s overall war deterrent.<\/p>\n “Through today\u2019s launching drill, we can confirm that a very important technology task for national defense has been carried out,” Kim said, according to KCNA. “We must continuously upgrade the military means, especially offensive weapon systems.”<\/p>\n The announcement came a day after South Korea and Japan said they detected multiple North Korean missile launches, which they condemned as provocations. The tests also took place just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet with President Xi Jinping<\/a>.<\/p>\n If fully operational, a hypersonic missile would give North Korea the ability to evade U.S. and South Korean missile defense systems. While Pyongyang has conducted a series of hypersonic tests in recent years, many foreign experts remain skeptical that the weapons have achieved the necessary speed and maneuverability.<\/p>\n The latest tests follow recent launches of what North Korea described as long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air systems, along with state-released images showing progress<\/a> on what it claims is its first nuclear-powered submarine.<\/p>\n Experts say the regime is showcasing its weapons advancements ahead of the ruling Workers\u2019 Party congress, its first in five years. The meeting is expected to review military achievements and could signal whether Kim plans to shift his approach toward the U.S. or revive long-stalled nuclear talks<\/a>.<\/p>\n North Korea\u2019s nuclear program is also expected to be discussed during the summit between Lee and Xi. Lee\u2019s office said the South Korean president plans to urge China<\/a> \u2014 Pyongyang\u2019s main ally and economic lifeline \u2014 to play “a constructive role” in easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.<\/p>\n Defending his push for nuclear expansion, Kim cited growing global instability.<\/p>\n “Why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events,” he said.<\/p>\n